College football fans, media criticize Jim Phillips' controversial speech at ACC Media Days
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips kicked off conference media days with a speech on Wednesday morning in Charlotte.
His opening statement, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, quickly drew ire from fans and media on Twitter. He was widely criticized for continuing to support the “collegiate model,” amongst other things.
Perhaps most notably, Phillips called on Congress to help the NCAA figure out national NIL regulations.
“As state legislators continue to seek recruiting advantages and as legal challenges continue to chill the enforcement of rules, only Congress can provide consistent standards and the appropriate protection to implement what is ultimately passed,” Phillips said.
Phillips also addressed the recent additions of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten. He said the ACC is considering all options when it comes to potentially adding programs in the future.
Most of his comments produced frustration from ACC fans and media — in one way or another.
Here’s some of the reaction to his comments on Wednesday morning:
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips kicking off media days here in Charlotte: "It remains my belief that there is no better conference in the country."
No one will argue with this.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 20, 2022
Jim Phillips' tribute today to the "greater good" of college sports and pushing back against consolidation of power and "NFL and NBA lite" professionalism is a very idealistic stance in a very realpolitik world.
That can make you a visionary. That can also make you prey.
— Luke DeCock (@LukeDeCock) July 20, 2022
I have many thoughts , but in short, This Jim Phillips press conference is just a condemnation of what college sports has become as opposed to how the ACC will adjust and be part of its future. He didn’t meet the moment here.
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) July 20, 2022
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips is on the stage here in Charlotte. He hits on NIL. Wants Congress to enact standards that apply to all schools and ensures fair competition.
Good luck with that.
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) July 20, 2022
Seems like every time Jim Phillips talks, each ACC school tries to think of how they can get the hell out of the league..
— Nick Coffey (@TheCardConnect) July 20, 2022
Jim Phillips can say that "all neighborhoods need to be healthy" time and time again… but ultimately, the SEC and Big Ten just don't care.
— Brendan Marks (@BrendanRMarks) July 20, 2022
didn’t expect Phillips to inspire confidence today… but holy shit. I’d be looking for nearest exit. Cringeworthy stuff. If you’re an ACC member & your preference is to stay & build the conference, you & others schools need to take an active part in leading. Jim’s not gonna do it
— Mike Ryan (Ruiz) 🙌🏽 (@MichaelRyanRuiz) July 20, 2022
College Sports has never been elitist! Are you serious. Of course it has. It has never ever been a level playing field. Ever.
What universe is Jim Phillips living in. https://t.co/YXex6tRY0C
— Jake Lebahn (@JakeLebahn) July 20, 2022
From a Miami perspective, if you’ve recovered from bashing your head against the wall during that Phillips presser, nothing appears to be imminent. Approach this football season like Adrian Beltre approached a contract year. Make it so they can’t ignore your value. Leave no doubt
— Mike Ryan (Ruiz) 🙌🏽 (@MichaelRyanRuiz) July 20, 2022
Also Jim Phillips: Votes against CFP expansion just LAST YEAR https://t.co/iOmTOOQrwi
— Ryan Hickey (@Ryan_Hickey3) July 20, 2022
ACC's Jim Phillips says college sports should be a full "neighborhood" & "not a 2-or-3 gated community." Apparently, the SEC & Big Ten reside in gated communities
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 20, 2022
This Jim Phillips press conference is a microcosm of why FSU needs to get the hell out of this conference.
— PJ (@SeminolePeej) July 20, 2022
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips says Congress is the "only" way to solve the NIL issue. Jim, buddy, come on.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) July 20, 2022
Jim Phillips is giving a speech straight out of 1977 today. I’d be terrified if I were an ACC fan.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) July 20, 2022
Would any politician in America list "national NIL standards for college athletes" among their top five legislative priorities?
— Eamonn Brennan (@eamonnbrennan) July 20, 2022
